A sign for Alex Pretti, who was killed earlier in the day by a U.S. Border Patrol officer, is displayed during a vigil Saturday in Minneapolis. Zaydee Sanchez for NPR
As tensions continue to rise in Minneapolis, state officials are taking steps to ensure a thorough investigation into the tragic shooting of 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti. A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order to prevent the destruction or alteration of any evidence related to the incident, following the state’s efforts to access the scene despite federal restrictions.
This incident marks the second fatal shooting by immigration agents in the city within a month. Federal officials have defended their actions as necessary for self-defense, labeling Pretti as a “domestic terrorist,” a claim that bystander videos and witness accounts dispute.
The area where a federal agent killed a man in Minneapolis on Saturday was taped off. ZAYDEE SANCHEZ
Investigation Barriers and Public Reaction
Federal authorities have refused state investigators access to the shooting scene, despite a state-obtained search warrant. Eyewitnesses and videos suggest that Pretti was not posing a threat when he was tackled and shot by the officers, casting doubt on the self-defense narrative.
Governor Tim Walz has criticized the federal government’s handling of the investigation, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability. The state is actively logging evidence for potential prosecution of federal agents, with a dedicated website countering misinformation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Calls for transparency have been echoed by various groups, including the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, who demand a joint investigation to uphold the credibility of ICE and DHS.
People gather Saturday during a vigil for 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a federal Border Patrol agent earlier in the day during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Zaydee Sanchez for NPR
Residents of Minneapolis express growing frustration over the aggressive tactics of federal agents, which they argue target not only undocumented immigrants but also legal residents and U.S. citizens. The recent surge of federal forces in the city has been described as an invasion by local leaders, further straining trust between communities and law enforcement.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has urged the public to remain calm and continue to voice their concerns. “Stand up for America,” he stated, highlighting the importance of taking action to prevent future incidents.
Thousands gathered downtown in subzero temperatures Friday as hundreds of Minnesota businesses closed in a statewide “ICE Out” protest and strike against federal immigration enforcement and the expanded ICE operations in Minneapolis. Erin Trieb for NPR
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
